10. Steven Wright – “Knucksie”
It’s only logical that the only knuckleball pitcher on the team, and one of the few in the league, gets “Knucksie” on the back of his jersey. Wright has been impressive this year, and while we won’t get to see him on the field of Players’ Weekend, hopefully Knucksie will be back in time for the postseason.
9. J.D. Martinez – “Flaco”
This one is a bit disappointing. I was hoping he would play off of the letters “JD” for his nickname. Seeing as he is the league leader in home runs, I think “Just Dingers” would have been far more fitting, but “Flaco” works, too. Flaco, in Spanish, means “skinny”, so I guess J.D. is just using this nickname to drive him to get bigger and better each day, and it’s definitely working.
8. Craig Kimbrel – “Dirty Craig”
Release the Kimbrel! “Dirty Craig” gets his nickname from the absolute filth he dishes in the late innings of close games. At least, that’s what he’d want you to believe. It may or may not be because of his appearance and dirty hat, but I hope for Kimbrel’s sake that it is the former reason.
7. Mitch Moreland – “2 – Bags”
Usually players don’t keep their last name on their jersey for Players’ Weekend, but Mitch is an exception. Mitchy “2 – Bags” is no longer a nickname becuase it is his whole entity. Moreland has been a doubling machine since joining the Red Sox, and he is only getting better with time. Soon, we may just be looking at Mitchy “2+2 – Bags”.
6. David Price – “Slim Dunkin”
Okay, I have to say this one threw me for a loop. When I first saw the nickname, I didn’t really understand it until I realized that David Price looks exactly like a skinny version of Tim Duncan. Also, the fact that it is spelled “Dunkin” and not “Duncan” is a perfect tribute to Boston and our love for Dunkin Donuts.